Thank you for writing this post. I (Gen X) live in the States and I’m “out” about my bipolar diagnosis. When I was first hospitalized in my twenties, my dad (Boomer) told me Filipinos don’t have depression. L
I find your post valuable because I’m writing a novel about a twentysomething Fil-Am woman who wants to be a veterinarian (but her parents want her to be a medical doctor like her dad). She’s then diagnosed with a mental illness and is in denial at first, especially because of her parents’ attitude towards mental illness. This post has given me insight on what, exactly, those attitudes might be. I also didn’t realize that mental illness is considered a “rich person’s” disease.
I’m glad you’re seeking out help for yourself. Thank you again for this post and I apologize for such a long comment.
You're welcome, glad to help and no need to apologize. But my newsletter's just surface-level; it's best to read actual studies on generational differences and POVs re: mental health, if there are any.
Sorry to learn your dad reacted that way. Mine did, too. My theory is the older generations had to deal with so many life-altering events (wars, migration, financial crises, Martial Law, etc.) that they never had any time or energy to tend to their mental health. It's an alien concept to them kasi "kinaya naman nila" and all that, and they didn't know it's a choice they can make until we made it for ourselves. Some Boomers I know actually think mental health/therapy is just about blaming them for everything and they're mad they're being held accountable, but it's much more complex than that.
And Filipino society is still pretty focused on social classes and inequalities. Sometimes there are great discussions on the systems that enable these. But sometimes people just say dismissive things about the rich or poor, then leave it at that.
Good luck with your novel! Hope to read it when it's done 💗
Thank you for writing this post. I (Gen X) live in the States and I’m “out” about my bipolar diagnosis. When I was first hospitalized in my twenties, my dad (Boomer) told me Filipinos don’t have depression. L
I find your post valuable because I’m writing a novel about a twentysomething Fil-Am woman who wants to be a veterinarian (but her parents want her to be a medical doctor like her dad). She’s then diagnosed with a mental illness and is in denial at first, especially because of her parents’ attitude towards mental illness. This post has given me insight on what, exactly, those attitudes might be. I also didn’t realize that mental illness is considered a “rich person’s” disease.
I’m glad you’re seeking out help for yourself. Thank you again for this post and I apologize for such a long comment.
You're welcome, glad to help and no need to apologize. But my newsletter's just surface-level; it's best to read actual studies on generational differences and POVs re: mental health, if there are any.
Sorry to learn your dad reacted that way. Mine did, too. My theory is the older generations had to deal with so many life-altering events (wars, migration, financial crises, Martial Law, etc.) that they never had any time or energy to tend to their mental health. It's an alien concept to them kasi "kinaya naman nila" and all that, and they didn't know it's a choice they can make until we made it for ourselves. Some Boomers I know actually think mental health/therapy is just about blaming them for everything and they're mad they're being held accountable, but it's much more complex than that.
And Filipino society is still pretty focused on social classes and inequalities. Sometimes there are great discussions on the systems that enable these. But sometimes people just say dismissive things about the rich or poor, then leave it at that.
Good luck with your novel! Hope to read it when it's done 💗
Thanks so much, KC. I do value your point of view.